https://sports.yahoo.com/5-nfl-draft-prospects-jets-144526388.html
This week is Senior Bowl week, which typically marks the first major milestone on the road to the NFL Draft.
Darren Mougey was only introduced as the new general manager on Monday, so he’ll be relying on the Jets’ existing scouting infrastructure as New York looks for players who could provide upgrades.
New head coach Aaron Glenn also has some scouting experience, so he should be involved in the process, too.
Let’s identify some players from positions of need who should interest Gang Green’s new decision-makers…
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
With Aaron Rodgers’ status still up in the air, the Jets are expected to use one of their top picks on a quarterback no matter what happens. However, it seems unlikely that they will move up for one of the top prospects.
Milroe is a passer who should be available later on, and the Jets will be monitoring his progress. There are questions about his ball security after his hands were measured as small at the start of the week. He will also need to be more consistent with his accuracy than he was last season with the Crimson Tide — and has shown in practice so far this week.
However, if Milroe is viewed as a developmental project, that might suit the Jets, who look set to have a veteran starter this season — whether it’s Rodgers or someone else.
DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
The Jets’ run defense showed improvements over the second half of the season, but their defensive line could still have been stouter. A player like the enormous Walker, who measured in at 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds and can have a big impact in the trenches and against the run, could be a solid addition.
Glenn’s defense with Detroit had D.J. Reader anchoring their defensive line this season, so Walker could be the kind of prospect they would look to bring in, hoping he will provide a similar presence.
CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Starter D.J. Reed could leave in free agency, so there might be a starting role available next season. Thomas profiles similarly to Antonio Cromartie, another former FSU cornerback who went on to star for the Jets.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 198 pounds, Thomas’ on-ball production is an area where he may need to show something this week, having only intercepted one pass this season. However, his experience as a press-cover corner should fit Glenn’s system and he shows a willingness to contribute in the running game. If paired with Sauce Gardner, Thomas could give the Jets a starting duo with outstanding size and length.
S Sebastian Castro, Iowa
The safety position is wide open in New York with none of the five players who started games there this season still under contract. Castro brings versatility and good instincts to the safety position and is a hard hitter against the run who is also an effective blitzer.
During the first day of practice, Castro was clocked with one of the fastest speeds, so he may be a better athlete than advertised, too.
TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
If Tyler Conklin departs in free agency, the Jets won’t have much depth remaining at the tight end position, with recent draft picks Jeremy Ruckert and Zack Kuntz having failed to establish themselves as reliable contributors.
Arroyo was reportedly one of the standouts in practice this week with his ability to stretch the field, and could be a good option on day two.
So far this week, Arroyo has been a matchup nightmare as he’s too fast for linebackers to cover and too big for defensive backs. However, with injuries having limited his production in college, he’s unlikely to jump into the first round, so he could end up being a bargain.
https://sports.yahoo.com/5-nfl-draft-prospects-jets-144526388.html
